As a bird specialist with years of post-graduate training for many species of exotic animals, Dr. Hess sees solely birds and other exotic pets, such as rabbits, ferrets, fennec foxes, guinea pigs, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, smaller rodents (mice, rats, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils), prairie dogs, kinkajous, degus and reptiles (turtles, snakes, lizards).
Dr. Hess offers state-of-the-art treatments for exotic pets combined with personal attention to each patient and owner in a comfortable setting that allows for individualized, compassionate care.
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Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP
(Avian Practice)
Dr. Hess is one of approximately 120 veterinarians in the world board-certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Avian Medicine.
She not only treats sick exotic pets, but also advises exotic pet owners about preventative care/wellness medicine, including proper diets, environment, and behavior.
Dr. Hess is the most experienced residency-trained exotic animal vet and board-certified avian specialist in Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess, and Orange Counties. Dr. Hess sees appointments in Northern Westchester at Fine Animal Hospital and in Southern Westchester at Bond Animal Hospital.
She is available by phone 24 hours a day through Fine Animal Hospital for emergencies.There is also veterinary care available overnight at Fine Animal Hospital and through Dr. Hess' affiliation with a local large Westchester emergency clinic, the Veterinary Emergency Group in White Plains.
Now offering a behavior change program for birds with problem behaviors, such as biting, screaming, and other undesirable behaviors. -See News & Annoucements on Animal Care page.
Selected Client Testimonials
"I feel secure knowing that I have access to the most knowledgeable exotics vet for my iguana and leopard gecko.”
-Vicki Cianfaglione
"Dr. Hess's intelligence and insight have brought a new level of care to our ferrets. She is, hands down, the best of the best!”
-Heather & Ralph Spafford
"I run an exotic animal rescue, and Dr. Hess's expertise and experience have proved invaluable. My animals and I would be lost without her!"
-Nicole Chillemi, LVT
"Extremely knowledgeable, reliable, kind. A rarity in the field of veterinary medicine."
-Dr. A.K.Gianacopolos
"Dr.Hess has treated our birds and ferrets for many years and
we completely trust she will give them the best care available. She always answers our questions, thoroughly explaining treatments."
-Caroline & Jen Lugones
"Her brilliance, expertise, and highest qualifications, are reason enough to ask Dr. Hess to treat my canaries, but it's her joy and love of birds that make her not just a great avian vet, but the best."
-Lynda Grimm
"Dr. Hess has provided care to my eight cockatiels for over 10 years and they continue to thrive. She has a genuine passion about her work and the animals she treats. I can't recommend
her highly enough."
-Mary Anne Richmond
"Dr. Hess has always given thoughtful, intelligent,
compassionate care to our rats and our rabbit. She has gone above and beyond her regular duties."
-Greer Hawley and Jeff Edman
"Dr. Hess is an exceptional person and a wonderful doctor
whose dedication and concern are as apparent as her
knowledge and expertise. My guinea pigs receive the best of
care when they are in her hands, and when I need help in
making difficult decisions I can always rely on her wisdom and compassion."
-Cathy Glasson
“I wouldn’t take our pets to anyone but Dr. Hess. She is so knowledgeable about the kind of animals that when you mention them to other vets you have to explain what they are."
-Janet Siroto
"Dr. Laurie Hess treated my many reptiles with care, attention and love that have contributed to their healing."
-Bob Kane
"Due to Dr. Hess's care, concern and excellent treatment, we were able to enjoy a whole extra year with our beloved rabbit Scooby through a bout with thymoma cancer."
-Rosemary Holodak